Square Feet: Inside Bueller's Awesome Digs

Remember Bueller sidekick Cameron Frye? This glass and steel home is known for its prime role in the infamous car scene from the classic John Hughes film, Ferris Bueller's Day Off. You know the one where Cameron crashes his dad's Ferrari into the garage in the ultimate act of rebellion? Cantilevered over a Chicago ravine, this contemporary home features sleek minimalist details and architecture that pair well with its serene surroundings. (Published Monday, Sep 27, 2010)

After John Hughes died on August 6, one of the interns at the Trib's RedEye got the idea to recreate one of the director's most popular films:

"That's right, from the actual school where Ferris and Cameron pick up Sloan (that's 2300 Shermer Rd, Northbrook, IL for you nerds out there) to the Art Institute (where I might have a reflection on my life or something fun like that) to a Cubs game to THE ACTUAL PARADE that he sang 'Danke Schoen' on the float at and then back to the house that they used as Cameron's in Highland Park," writes Ernest Wilkins.

John Hughes Mourned at Private Service

If the mission wasn't challenging enough, Wilkins intends on performing all the tasks in the same amount of time it took the characters to do them in the movie.

Wilkins isn't the first to attempt such an endeavor. Jeff Ruby of ChicagoMag.com attempted to recreate the movie last year, but he was tripped up by the timing: "@#$*ing Edens. It takes two hours ... to go 24 miles. Since we've missed our deadline, we skip the movie's trip to Sloane's swimming pool and jump into the lake."

Wilkins has put together an itinerary for this Saturday, September 12. Granted, one can't exactly play hooky from school on a Saturday, but it's the only day when both a Cubs game and the Von Steuben parade will be taking place. And in place of "Chez Quis," which doesn't actually exist, Wilkins will be lunching at Giordano's (730 N Rush St).

But remember, this isn't just Wilkins' day off. He wants Chicagoans to join the fun. Along with various "Save Ferris" stations throughout the city, the RedEye is hosting a "Save Ferris Charity Dance-Off for Charity."

"We're going to set up somewhere, flash mob-style, and have ourselves a little 80's dance party," writes Wilkins. "I'll be Tweeting out the secret location, and yes, 'Twist and Shout' will be played."